Schisandra

Schisandra Chinensis

Schisandra, also known as, is native to Northern China, Russia, and parts of Korea. An ornamental plant found in many fine gardens throughout the world and which has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra is a woody vine with oval pink leaves and bright red berries. Its Chinese name, Wu-Wei-Zi, means five-taste-fruit—sour, sweet, bitter, warm, and salty.

Despite this long history, Schisandra is still relatively unknown in the US market. But due to its age-old use for enhancing vitality and strong scientific evidence, Schisandra and its preparations should get a good market boost in the years ahead. Once people experience the mental and physical benefits of this super berry, they will want it as part of their health regime.

In the current climate of berry crazes, Schisandra could sound like one more fruit to toss into your morning blender drink, but this unusual berry holds a top spot for its superior medicinal benefits.

Schisandra berry demonstrates significant adaptogenic activity. To qualify as an adaptogen, an herb must be completely safe and non-toxic, must have broad uses for health, and must specifically reduce stress, both mental and physical.

Due to its astringent quality, Schisandra reduces the appearance of fine lines and imparts a youthful glow to the skin. For thousands of years, Schisandra has been adored by women for its ability to help maintain smooth, soft, and moisturized skin. By balancing the fluids of the skin, it helps lock in hydration and protects against damage from the sun and wind. Historically, it was only available to the one-percenters in the Royal Courts of China, but now everyone can experience its beauty benefits.